The Algarve Tourism Region has submitted an application to Turismo de Portugal to give new impetus to the Nature Tourism sector in Monchique, after the great summer fire. The proposal, which is expected to be approved «in the next few days», is made in conjunction with various entities and contemplates, among others, the recovery and creation of new pedestrian paths in this municipality, the enhancement of endogenous products and external promotion.
The application is led by RTA, but also involves the Monchique Chamber, the Almargem association and the Algarve Tourism Association (ATA).
If the project is approved, the four partners will use the funds allocated to them, 100% non-repayable, in a set of actions, including «the holding of walking and work festivals around the identity traits of the region, such as handicrafts and agri-food products», revealed João Fernandes, president of RTA.
“We are already mapping out new solutions and advancing with proposals that range from training agents, working around endogenous resources and structuring the offer, to international promotion, with the realization of Fam e Press Trips», he added.
The candidacy also includes the recovery of the signs of the Via Algarviana which burned down, «namely in sector 9, between Monchique and Silves, where almost all of it disappeared», according to Anabela Santos, from Almargem, the association responsible for the management and maintenance of this pedestrian lane that crosses the interior of the Algarve.
In this case, it may be necessary to “redefine the layout, partially or completely”, due to the damage caused by the flames. But this will only be decided after «the first rains».
In the case of the small routes that exist in the municipality of Monchique, namely the one that previously linked Caldas to Monchique – and which, in the meantime, already have an alternative -, the one that goes to Fóia and the trail of the waterfalls, «the signage is in sienite», so it was not affected. But here too, it is necessary to wait a little longer for them to recover.
Therefore, alternatives have to be found. “We are still defining which new routes to create, in line with the tour operators. The idea is to explore places that have not been affected by the fire», said Anabela Santos.
The response from Turismo de Portugal regarding the application must arrive “in the next few days”, because the deadline is “ten days after the application is submitted”.
João Fernandes highlighted the inclusion of ATA in the group of partners that are putting forward the candidacy, bearing in mind that it brings the component of international promotion. «It is crucial to inform and bring tour operators to Monchique, so that they can see on the spot that the Serra is worth visiting and there are good conditions to do so», he considered.
The partners of this project met yesterday afternoon in Monchique, «to operationalize the next steps, which are the execution of the project».
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